MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicholas Torre III has confirmed that the charity boxing event involving him and acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte is set to take place on Sunday, July 27.
Hala nag papractice na si Gen. Torre .. MIA pa rin si Baste hahaahaha pic.twitter.com/dM0TcnQhC9
— 🇵🇭 Laitera🇵🇭 (@laiteranidaddy) July 24, 2025
During his boxing training session on Thursday, July 24, at the Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila, Torre announced that preparations are already in place, including the installation of the boxing ring.
“Whether he shows up or not, may mga sponsors na nagsabi na magdo-donate na lang ng mga ayuda sa ating mga kababayan na nasalanta ng bagyo at baha,” Torre said in an interview, referencing support from sponsors even in the event Duterte decides not to attend.
“Kung wala naman siya, magdi-distribute na lang kami ng ayuda,” he added, indicating that the event will serve as a relief distribution drive if the boxing match does not proceed.
The boxing challenge, which has sparked widespread public interest, was initially made by Duterte on July 20. He criticized Torre for allegedly acting tough because of his position and questioned the legitimacy of his promotion to the top police post, especially after Torre played a role in the controversial arrest of Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, in March 2025.
In his latest remarks aired on his “Basta Dabawenyo” podcast on July 24, Duterte introduced a new condition before stepping into the ring. He demanded that Torre convince President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to publicly support mandatory hair follicle drug testing for all elected officials.
“Please ask your boss, the president (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.), to state publicly that all elected officials should undergo a hair follicle drug test,” Duterte said.
He also made a scathing remark: “Wag kang mag-alala, Torre. Matagal ko na talagang gustong makabugbog ng unggoy.”
Despite the strong language, Duterte maintained that he was open to the fight, saying, “Walang problema. If it will answer the issues nitong bansa natin, I can do that.”
With both personalities refusing to back down, anticipation continues to build for what could become a highly symbolic and unconventional showdown—one that may either deliver punches or relief to Filipinos in need.